A review of economic development assessment tools by the Middle Georgia Regional Development Center, 2005

In 2005, the Middle Georgia Regional Development Center (MGRDC) conducted an in-depth evaluation of economic development assessment tools. As noted in the study report,
"The project staff started by conducting research focused on finding a suitable economic assessment model that would provide for a critical evaluation of the Study Area's past and current economic performance and aid in the development of targeted strategies for stimulating further economic growth and diversification in the region. Several models were rigorously examined and considered."

"Upon final evaluation, team members selected the economic modeling program entitled the Local Economic Assessment Package (LEAP) as the most appropriate instrument for the project. The advantages of the LEAP model relate to the fact that this tool simultaneously provides the means to effectively assess current conditions, diagnoses target-specific industries for possible diversification, and analyzes the potential effect of proposed policy changes to the overall market."